Suspect arrested in fatal shooting of Brooklyn pizza shop owner
NEW YORK -- Federal authorities have arrested a suspect in connection to the death of the co-owner of a famous Brooklyn pizzeria, reports CBS New York.
Authorities said that Andres Fernandez was arrested on Thursday afternoon in connection to the death of Louis Barbati, 61.
Barbati, who co-owned L&B Spumoni Gardens pizzeria, was ambushed by a gunman outside his Dyker Heights, Brooklyn home at around 7 p.m. Thursday, June 30. Police said the assailant shot him multiple times at close range.
“The Barbati family, months later now, is relieved that an arrest has been made and they look forward to justice being metered out swiftly,” the family’s attorney, Arthur Idala, told 1010 WINS. “There’s no way that they can bring Lulu back, but it will be some sort of closure for them if Mr. Fernandez is convicted for this crime.”
Police reportedly believe Barbati parked his white sport-utility vehicle in front of his own garage, walked a few steps up the sidewalk, and through the gate, where he was shot dead.
Barbati’s wife and two sons were just feet away inside their house as he was struck five times, police said.
Barbati was carrying $15,000 cash and a loaf of bread in a bag when he was shot, but the killer did not take any cash, authorities said.
According to the complaint, surveillance video of the scene obtained by authorities shows the suspect putting on dark-covered gloves and holding what appears to be a firearm behind a tree just before the shooting.
Following the incident, the suspect then fled the scene in a white Acura. According to the complaint, a white 2014 Acura TL is registered in Fernandez’ name.
The complaint also alleges that cell phone data obtained by investigators places Fernandez at the scene of the murder.